THE heart-pumping passion of a Blackburn Rovers fan has put the club top of a table showing the most excitable supporters in the Premier League.

Ewood Park season ticket holder Jan Evans, 33, of Great Harwood, had a heart monitor strapped to his chest and gave saliva samples before, during, and after, four action-packed games at the end of last season, as the squad fought off relegation.

Heart rate and levels of cortisol, a hormone triggered by tension, were recorded from fans from each top-flight team.

But it was account manager Jan who was awarded the highest points tally as his levels soared through the roof as he lived every kick of the ball during manager Sam Allardyce’s push for safety.

Supporters from North London outfit Arsenal and Premier League champions Manchester United were beaten to the top spot by the South View man.

“During Rovers’ rollercoaster ride to safety my heart rate went through the roof according to the sensors,” said Jan.

“It was amazing to see how incidents such as goals, sendings-off and penalties affected the result.

“During the up and down 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur my heart rate was at 132 beats per minute, which is even higher than a race car driver.

“I can only take so much punishment, so I’m asking Big Sam for a cracking start to the new campaign this weekend, so I don't have to go through a nerve- shredding end of season like last time.”

Dr David Lewis, who conducted the research, said: “The findings are down to two crucial reasons.

“Firstly, fans from clubs like Blackburn are willing their team towards the mid-table comfort zone causing tension levels to increase more than fans of top clubs who expect their team to win and are therefore calmer.

“Secondly, when something happens on the pitch that puts fans’ high hopes in jeopardy, tension levels can quickly soar.”

North East rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland finished at the foot of the pile, with Merseysiders Everton rounding out the bottom three.